The long-awaited major-league debut for Phillies phenom Andrew Painter could be put on hold until the 2025 season after the Phillies announced Wednesday that they have recommended Painter undergo elbow surgery.
Painter, a 20-year-old pitcher, was expected to serve as the fifth starter this season. But he suffered an elbow sprain during his first spring training start on March 1. He’s still feeling symptoms nearly five months later.
The Phillies were hopeful back then that Painter could rest and avoid surgery. He slowly started throwing again, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson reported earlier this month that Painter was feeling discomfort as he was preparing to throw his first live bullpen session on July 4.
The Phillies then shut Painter down. Painter is due for a surgical consultation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday in Los Angeles. If EAttrache agrees with the Phillies’ assessment, Painter will undergo Tommy John surgery.
“Andrew Painter has been undergoing conservative management for a right elbow partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury since March 2, 2023,” the Phillies said in a statement. “While he was able to return to throwing bullpens, and follow-up imaging has shown interval healing in his elbow, over the last few weeks, he continues to be symptomatic upon examination.
“Considering the timing of the season and that Painter is still experiencing symptoms, the Phillies medical staff has recommended he undergo a right elbow UCL reconstruction with ulnar nerve transposition surgery.”
The surgery typically requires at least 12 months of recovery time. So if Painter does return next season, it wouldn’t be until the final month or so of the season.
Considering Painter’s age, the Phillies might want to be extra cautious with his recovery and thus delay his debut until the following spring.
“All I can tell you is that we’re going to be really careful with this guy,” Thomson said before knowing that surgery was the recommendation. “We’re going to take our time, and if that means if he doesn’t pitch this year, that’s what it’ll be.”
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.
